Easter

I had yesterday and today off work. (By that I mean I’ve really been working remotely – answering a myriad of questions and complaints.) Over the course of the past two days I’ve deemed to NOT have any extra help around our home to prepare for Easter. We have both sides of the family joining us plus an extra four paws. Here, it means the sheets all need changed, couches need vacuumed, the floors need swept, mopped, and reswept and remopped, the dogs need walked, brushed, bathed, and re-walked, the meals need to be planned and the kitchen needs to be kept up with. Oh, not to mention that Spring has sprung in a matter of two days here in Cleveland.

In an effort to work as hard (or try to work as hard) as my right hand man, I made a list. (Basically the list I already wrote plus a few extra things like going to the grocery and working out.) As I begin checking off each item on my list I keep thinking “this would be a real project with a child or two”. Bless all of you who work so hard to keep a clean house and somehow manage to have children, too! I don’t know how my mom did it with four of us!

I try not to get super stressed about things. Holidays are meant to be fun and relaxing. I’ll admit, I’m still in my pajamas, I have sweat dripping down my back, and I’m on my fourth cup of coffee. However, I did make time to read and watch an episode of my current show. (It’s the little things in life!) I’m enjoying the fruits of my labor. A clean house, little to no dog hair on the floor (for the time being), the windows open, and every bed having fresh sheets for our guests. I can definitely see how people get overwhelmed. Especially, when juggling children, practices, social schedules, and whatever else is on their plate.

This year, I work Saturday until about 5:30 or 6:00 PM and will then come home to a house full of my favorite people. How lucky am I?! That’s what I kept telling myself as I was scrubbing the floors on my hands and knees today. Ha! No, in all honesty, I am really looking forward to having everyone together. Whether we color eggs, or play backyard football, I’m sure it’ll be a riot.

I did grow up nondenimational Christian and I have firm beliefs. One of those beliefs is to love unconditionally. That’s really what Easter means to me. Love your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, coaches, leaders, whoever, love them completely and the best that you can. Now more than ever.